Many people suffer from sciatica nerve pain, which starts in the buttock or lower back and radiates to the legs or one leg. The intensity of the pain can vary from minimal to severe, and the frequency could be constant to intermittent. Apart from the pain, some people also experience tingling, numbness, and burning sensations. Sciatica is actually the symptom, and is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.
This compression can occur due to many reasons including bulging discs, tumors, misalignment of the vertebral column, and injury to the piriformis muscle. Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will therefore have to diagnose the particular cause of sciatica in a patient and accordingly prescribe an effective treatment.
How does Chiropractor Diagnose Sciatica?
Chiropractor will firstly review the medical history of the patient in detail, and then conduct a thorough neurological and physical examination. To rule out any contraindications and to confirm the diagnosis, a chiropractor will often order further tests such as an x-ray, CT or MRI scan, or tests for checking the velocity of nerve conduction.
Chiropractic Treatment Options for Sciatica
Since there could be different causes for sciatica, Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient’s diagnosis. However, the main aim of chiropractic treatment is aiding the potential of the body to heal itself. Therefore, most chiropractic treatment choices are natural, drug-free, and the least invasive. Some of the treatment modalities are:
Spinal Adjustments
Chiropractic manipulations are highly effective in restoring misalignment of the vertebrae, and freeing up restricted spinal movement. This in turn will reduce irritation on the nerve, which is the main cause of pain, muscle spasm, and inflammation. There are various adjustment techniques and they are all safe and mainly not painful.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC will use a machine to deliver controlled electric current to stimulate certain muscles. TENS is quite effective in reducing intense pain and muscle spasms.
Ultrasound
As the name suggests, a machine generates sound waves, which creates gentle heat that can penetrate deeper inside tissues. Ultrasound therapy will improve circulation in the particular area, and will aid in the reducing pain, muscle stiffness, swelling, cramping, and spasms.
Ice Therapy
In certain cases Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC might prescribe a simple cold therapy by applying ice. This mitigates inflammation and decreases the level of pain.
In certain cases, Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC might recommend another specialty doctor for treating sciatica. However, certain chiropractic treatment might continue and the chiropractor will co-manage the treatment with the other doctor.
